Category Archives: Blue Moon

Tonight’s review is of a Blue Moon Belgian White from the Blue Moon Brewing Company in Golden, Colorado. It is, of course, a subsidiary of the Coors Brewing Company.

This is a beer that has gained a lot of momentum in the last few years due to the fact that it has become somewhat of a fad and has become very common on college campuses, plus it is available in most every restaurant now. In my humble, novice opinion, it seems to be a beer for non-craft beer drinkers who like to think they are drinking craft beer. Again, just my opinion.

Unfiltered for more depth of flavor and a unique, cloudy appearance. Full flavor with a smooth finish. Light, spicy citrus flavors go great with chicken, seafood and pork. Best when garnished with a slice of orange to bring out the natural spices and subtle fruit flavor.

I have had this brew a few times, so I know what to expect.

This beer comes standard in a 12 oz. bottle and has an ABV of 5.4%.

It pours a cloudy orange and yellow color with a white, slightly soapy head that had average size and minimal retention. The head was gone pretty quick, but it fell to a small ring around the top and it left only a scant amount of lacing to view.

The nose is of some orange citrus, banana and lemon. I did pick up on the spices of coriander and pepper. The wheat is not trying to do anything to conceal itself by being very boastful and pronounced.

The taste revealed, once again, the orange, banana and wheat. The lemon was masked more so in the taste than in the aroma. I did get some type of artificial sweetener that brought forth some sourness that reminded me of a “sweet tart’ or something. A touch of bitterness along with the aforementioned spices of coriander and pepper finished off the profile.

The mouthfeel was medium to thin, rather watery, crisp and refreshing. It’s a suitable thirst quencher for sure. The flavor diminishes from the palate rather quickly and only leaves a slight yeasty undertone to savor.

Well…. I would only consider this brew to be average to slightly above average in all categories. It does have some ok qualities as far as ease of drinkability and refreshment goes. Also, this could be easily satisfying during the Summer and I could drink a few of these during one sitting if they were offered, however I think that I could find any number of Belgian Whites that could do all this can and more. In some ways Blue Moon seems almost contrived to the point of trying too hard to please. It’s by no means horrible or off putting, but I wasn’t overly impressed.

I’m a little perplexed. It’s a fairly well made beer that has garnered a lot of praise from “macro” beer drinkers and I’m certain that this would be an excellent “gateway” beer for someone interested in better brews, but I wonder if Coors is trying to appeal to “beer geeks” or trying to persuade common beer drinkers? I don’t know. Heck, if you like it, that’s good. Don’t let me sway you.

Do you consider Blue Moon to be a craft beer?

As always, thanks for reading and feel free to comment. I enjoy interacting with you.